Who doesn’t love a redemption story — and on Christmas Eve of all nights?
That’s what happened to New England Patriots rookie kicker Chad Ryland, who missed a field goal and an extra point in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. With the game tied 23-23 in the final seconds, those four potential points turned out to be pretty important.
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However, Ryland turned it all around when he stepped up for arguably the toughest kick of his NFL career, a 56-yarder on the road after Bailey Zappe put the Patriots in a position to kick the game-winner.
The kick was a bright spot in what had been a rocky season for Ryland, who entered the game 13-of-20 on field goal attempts. He’s now 15-of-23, with that 23rd kick being the biggest of his career so far.
Here’s a roundup of reaction nationally and locally after Ryland’s kick:
Pat McAfee, TV personality and former NFL punter
“CHAD RYLAND FOR A PATRIOT CHRISTMAS MIRACLE”
“Cannot imagine a more insane outcome for so many reasons.”
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald
“Chad Ryland. What an incredible show of mental toughness. Hats off to the kid.”
“That was an absolute bomb from Chad Ryland.”
“Chad Ryland with the absolute ONIONS on that kick”
“Chad Ryland does it. The rookie kicker hits the 56-yard field goal. Wow”
Matt Cassel, TV analyst and former Patriots QB
“Ryland gets redemption.”
“Gotta give Chad Ryland credit for booming a 56-yarder after the first two misses. That’s mental toughness right there.”
